It is essential that we support Peter's Pence
SIR – Concern over difficulties in the financial structures in the Vatican must not overshadow our sacred duty to support the Pope both spiritually and materially (Letter of the Week, November 15).
Peter’s Pence is the oldest surviving charity in existence and was founded in Anglo-Saxon England in the 8th century. Since then it is collected around the world on June 29, to provide the Sovereign Pontiff with funds for him to use as circumstances demand.
The Anglo-Saxon King Ine of Wessex (ruled 688-726) was a protector of the Church. He abdicated, went on pilgrimage to Rome and was baptised there – and gave the Pope a tribute of coins that was the beginning of “Peter’s Pence”. This collection soon spread internationally and has continued ever since.
